Jelf International launched

In response to the growth and complexity in international employee benefits, as well as increasing client demand, Jelf Employee Benefits is extending its international proposition for employers and individuals by launching Jelf International. Although Jelf previously offered extensive international services, the company has taken the decision to create a standalone business unit in order to:

• emphasize the extent of the full consultancy and holistic service now available

• respond to existing customer demand for a broadening of products

• underline the importance of specialist international advice (rather than as a supplement to UK employee benefits consultancy)

Jelf International will offer four pillars of support for its clients – all of which can be accessed individually or as a whole. Some are provided by carefully selected third parties:

Wellbeing: IPMI will be at the core of any international employee benefits strategy, but Jelf International’s Wellbeing solutions also incorporate other products that ensure the physical, emotional and financial wellbeing of those working abroad. Through its extensive relationships, Jelf International will be able to access the most appropriate cover at affordable prices for clients in the areas of dental insurance, health screening, employee assistance programmes, income protection, critical illness and travel insurance. They will also be able to provide access to legal & tax advice, wills, global savings and kidnap & ransom protection.

Jelf International Umbrella Scheme: Although Jelf International is a whole-of-market intermediary, meaning it will broker deals with providers that reflect the unique needs of its individual clients, Jelf International has also agreed an exclusive and industry leading umbrella scheme, underwritten and provided by Bupa. This pooled arrangement is designed to benefit low-risk clients and smaller groups, who may not normally have the power to negotiate preferential pricing or have access to such expertise and scheme flexibility. Crucially, medical history is disregarded (MHD) for even just one employee, which makes it quick and easy to add smaller groups of employees to the scheme.

International Coverage: Jelf International has international coverage and is constantly expanding its reach to back up its global proficiency with expertise at a local level. This can benefit those organisations needing to provide cover for local nationals as well as those looking for a more tailored approach, where negotiating in a local language at a local level is most effective. This can also benefit clients who are seeking very specific local knowledge for their expat workers, for example, the wider benefits expected within a certain location.

Corporate Audit: Jelf International will continue to offer a thorough corporate audit for clients with more complex international requirements, or those companies looking to balance their employee benefits-offering across various locations. This is aimed to help strike that all-important balance between costs and the appropriate level of cover for employees. This is tailored to each individual client’s needs and includes a full review of existing benefits, product selection & procurement, implementation and management.

Doug Rice, director of Jelf International, said: “Many businesses are seeing international trade as the best and fastest way to recover from the economic doldrums in the UK. With this in mind we needed to respond with an international benefits solution that meets the requirements of larger well-established employers who need to fine-tune their international benefits as well as provide support to smaller businesses looking to dip their toes in to international waters for the first time.

“Most employers are now only too aware of their duty of care for overseas staff but ensuring international employee benefits meets the HR, legal and finance departments’ objectives requires expertise. We believe our new international proposition will deliver a truly comprehensive service to clients in an ever-changing world.

“Some intermediaries may dabble in the world of international benefits, but we believe it’s imperative that companies deal with experts, and these latest developments put us right at the forefront in this market.”